How does the lifespan of a star packing 100 solar masses compare to the potential lifetime of low-mass red dwarfs?
Answer
The 100 solar mass star endures for millions of years, while red dwarfs stretch into trillions
The disparity in lifespan based on initial mass is profound. Lower-mass stars, such as red dwarfs, consume their fuel incredibly slowly, resulting in lifetimes that can extend far beyond the current age of the universe, potentially reaching twelve trillion years. In stark contrast, a star with a mass of 100 solar masses burns its fuel furiously due to the immense core pressures required for equilibrium. This rapid consumption limits its total existence to a mere few million years, meaning it expires before the universe has even completed its first billion years of existence.
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